Heat stress happens when your body can’t get rid of excess heat. Your core temperature rises and your cooling system becomes overwhelmed. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to serious heat-related illness. 

Heat stress can get worse with:

• Physical work
• Loss of fluids through sweating
• Fatigue
• Certain medical conditions

Use these quick tips to spot the signs and take action fast.

Heat-related illness: What to watch for and what to do

1. Heat rash is a rash usually found on the neck, chest, elbow creases, trunk or around the groin.

What to do:

• Rinse skin with cool water
• Change into dry clothes that are not too tight
• Avoid hot or humid environments

When to get medical help:

• The rash keeps returning
• It becomes very bothersome or needs prescribed treatment

2. Heat cramps are a painful muscle cramp in the legs, arms, or stomach caused by heavy sweating and salt loss.

What to do:

• Move to a cool area
• Loosen tight clothing
• Gently stretch and massage muscles
• Drink cool, slightly salted water or an electrolyte drink

When to get medical help:

• The cramps are severe
• Cramps don’t improve after treatment

3.   Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness, and can be accompanied by cool, moist skin, a weak pulse, and is often linked to fluid loss or standing too long

What to do:

• Move the person to a cool area
• Loosen clothing
• Have them lie down
• Once awake and alert, offer small sips of cool water

When to get medical help:

• Any fainting episode should be assessed by a medical professional

4.    Heat exhaustion occurs when a person is heavily sweating and shows signs such as cool, clammy skin, a body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F), a weak pulse or low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, extreme thirst, and rapid breathing or blurred vision.

What to do:

• Move to a cool, shaded area
• Loosen clothing
• Spray or sponge with cool water
• Drink cool water slowly

When to get medical help:

• Heat exhaustion is serious
• Do not leave the person alone

5. Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Watch for a body temperature of around 40°C (104°F) and symptoms such as a fast pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion or unusual behaviour, loss of consciousness, hot, red, dry skin, or heavy sweating. If these signs appear, seek medical help immediately.

What to do:

• Remove excess clothing
• Drink and spray with cool water
• Call an ambulance immediately

Need help getting started?

WSPS consultants can guide you through heat stress risk assessments, program development, and training. Contact us today to get started.

Safety resources

• Safety in 60 seconds: Heat stress and the signs and symptoms – Watch this short video to learn about heat stress and what to watch for.
• Visit the OHCOW Heat Stress Tool Kit, courtesy of the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety & Health (CROSH). This toolkit is designed to support, empower and protect workers while guiding workplaces for both indoor and outdoor use. 

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.